William Casey was an influential member of the CIA and an important person concerning affairs around the world. Born March 13, 1913, William Joseph Casey received his education from Fordham University where he received his Bachelor of Science in 1934 and went on to St. John's University School of Law, receiving his Bachelor of Laws in 1937. His education earned him a place in the Office of Strategic Services in 1943, during World War II. After holding many positions within the U.S. government, he was appointed the Director of Central Intelligence by President Ronald Reagan on January 20, 1981. During his career as CIA director, Casey was involved in many such politically-sensitive situations as the Iran-Contra Affair, the Manuel Noriega Crisis, and the trafficking and dealings of drugs by CIA agents. Although Casey was deeply involved in politics and events around the world, his efforts were not well known, including his part in the authorization of the assassination of Ayatollah Mohammed Fadlallah in 1985. Casey died of brain cancer in May 1987.